6 Types of Thanksgiving Gift Ideas for Employees

In the United States and Canada, Thanksgiving is a holiday that calls for celebrating all the blessings of the past year and the harvest. This holiday can make everything quite busy since it is not only the members of your family showing their gratitude for you but also your coworkers and employees showing their appreciation for all the hard work everyone went through. 

As an employer, showing appreciation to your employees is a great thing to do because it boosts the morale of the entire team. The best gift you can pick out for an employee is something that would make them feel more valued as an important part of the team.

 However, it can take a lot of work to come up with so many gifts. This is why we have curated a list of Thanksgiving gift ideas for employees so that you don’t have to spend hours scouring the internet.

1.  Classic and Practical Thanksgiving Gift Ideas

Sometimes the best measure is to just opt for something more on the classical and practical side. Finding gifts that are more on the practical side of things can even turn out to be useful for your employees. Here are some classic and practical gift ideas for you:

Gift Cards

If it is just to show your appreciation and respect for the people who do so much hard work for you throughout the year, then a gift card goes a long way. Write something meaningful inside that will make them feel valued for their work and dedication. This is a great gift because they can even put it up on their office desk or even at home to remind themselves that they are appreciated for how much work they put in every day. 

Water Bottle

Hydration is a necessity for everyone but the stressful hours at work can often make us forget to stay hydrated. This is exactly why a water bottle is a great gift for an employee. It shows that you want them to be healthy so that they do not end up burning out from the workload. 

Moreover, the winter season makes us crave water less but that doesn’t mean we need it less. Having a water bottle on hand can ensure you drink proper amounts of water!

Sticky Notes

This gift can help your employees stay more organized and focused on their work. As an employer, you want to make sure your workers don’t miss any important deadlines and are up to date with everything. Sticky notes will help the employers write down necessary information so that it is always in front of them at work and they will be more organized! 

Desk Pad

Desk pads are not just good for aesthetics, they also offer a lot of practicality when it comes to things such as staying organized and protecting the surface of the desk from scratches and stuff. Another great thing about desk pads is that they add more comfort to the hours of keyboard work. 

Employees sometimes spend a long time analyzing and inputting data to the computer so they have to type a lot, having a desk pad makes this process easier since they are not working on a hard desk surface the entire time. 

Winter Scarf

With Thanksgiving comes winter and its harsh cold days. Of course, office workers still wake up in the cold mornings and come to work. However, as their employer, you can get them a winter scarf that will keep them warm even through the cold winter months. 

This goes to show how much you care for your hard-working employees. Be sure to pick something that is not too flashy so it goes with their formal work attire as well!

2. Food and Beverage Treats

At the end of the day we are all excited for Thanksgiving because of the delicious food it brings. We celebrate this holiday by eating with our loved ones and appreciating one another for the joy they bring to our lives. So what better gift to go with than food and beverage treats?

Chocolate Box

Who doesn’t love receiving a box full of chocolates? Chocolates are a versatile choice of gift since you can give them to anyone regardless of age and gender. It can even work as a little dessert after the big Thanksgiving meal as well. Since Thanksgiving is a holiday about sharing, a box of chocolates fits right into the theme. 

Nuts, Dried Fruits, and Munchies

People are already going to be feasting during Thanksgiving so giving them heavy food might not be the best idea. Something like a gift basket full of nuts, dried fruits, and other munchies works as a great snack. They can be enjoyed throughout the day or even come in clutch as a healthier movie snack for the Thanksgiving movie marathons!

Holiday Cookie Box

Nothing says holidays more than a box full of cookies. Cookies symbolize the festive season and bring a joyous smile to everyone’s face. It is just comforting to imagine being snuggled up in a blanket with a warm glass of milk and a box of cookies while you watch your favorite holiday movies back to back. Nothing beats celebrating the holidays by sharing a cookie box with the people you love and care for the most.

Gourmet Nut Platter

Nuts are often considered to be a premium snack and can be a nice Thanksgiving gift for your employees. Not only are they healthy, but they come packed with a bunch of nutrients that are great for your body. Moreover, a gourmet nut platter will have some of the most delicious and exotic nuts that anyone would love to try. It is surely a great way to show your appreciation!

Thanksgiving Pie Boxes

Pies are the symbol of Thanksgiving dessert. Thanksgiving pie boxes add to the festive mood by providing a more traditional feel to the gift. It is also quite practical since preparing a Thanksgiving feast is quite the work. A pie box can take the worry of making a dessert off the host’s shoulders. It is both a thoughtful and a convenient gift for anyone. 

3. Gifts for Relaxation and Wellness

Thanksgiving is not a holiday that is only meant to celebrate the love and bond of the people around you. It is also the time of the year you get to finally have a few days off work and relax by yourself. Here are some gift ideas to help your employees relax and unwind a bit better.

Scented Candles

Relaxation and scented candles go hand in hand. With the recent popularity of scented candles all over social media, it is sure to be a gift that is loved by your employees. It is just a great feeling to be able to lie down and relax with a pleasant aroma and the soft dim light of the candle. This gift will be a great hit, especially with your female employees. 

Bath Bombs

We are all well aware of how relaxing baths can be. However, baths are always the same and can get dull at times. Add a bath bomb to that and it just makes a regular old bath that much more fun and exciting. This is a great gift that allows anyone to spend some relaxing alone time enjoying their bath and coming out of the bathroom anew. 

Cozy Blankets

We have already mentioned that Thanksgiving means winter is here, and the best way to spend winter is to snuggle up in your bed. The only thing that can make this a better experience is a soft and cozy blanket.

 Just imagine getting in bed after a cold and tiring day to cuddle up in your warm and comforting blanket. That’s all anyone needs to recharge themselves for the next day. 

Hand Lotion Sets

Winter is a season that brings forth dry skin and loads of other problems. Hand lotion sets are not only relaxing but also a very thoughtful gift in that sense. It helps to keep our hands nice and soft so it doesn’t break out from the harsh winter winds. 

It is a very practical Thanksgiving gift for your employees that shows how much you care for their safety.

Hand Repair Set

Taking care of yourself is also part of the Thanksgiving culture. To show gratitude and appreciation for others, you need to start with yourself. Protecting yourself against bad winter weather conditions with a hand repair set shows your care and appreciation for yourself. 

Just like a hand lotion set, a hand repair set also conveys a similar message and can be a very practical gift for your employees. 

Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders

Working long hours can be exhausting, especially on your neck and shoulders if you’re working at the desk all day long. Being able to relax with a heating pad for your neck and shoulders is very relieving. 

It relaxes your sore muscles and prepares you for the next day. It is a gift that any employee would love to receive. 

Cordless Hand Massager

A cordless hand massager has to be the next best thing after heating pads. These are great because they directly address the issue of sore muscles and help to fix them in the most pleasant way possible. All you do is lay down and let the hand massager do its trick. It feels almost rejuvenating from well it works. 

A gift worth considering for your employees. 

Gym Membership

We have already established the fact that self-care is also an important part of the Thanksgiving spirit. This is why a gym membership also counts as a great gift for your employees.

 It keeps them feeling productive and more energized so no one will be slacking off as much. Moreover, it can turn out to be an after-office gym session with all the coworkers which makes it more fun. 

4. Gifts for Home

While gifts for each individual are a great idea, it can also be a good thing to go for more homely gifts. This will make your employees feel more cared for when they go back home and are reminded of how caring their boss is because of the gifts they have at home from you. Here are some things you can take a look at in

Cookbook

A good chunk of the Thanksgiving day revolves around cooking. While turkey and mashed potatoes are a must on the menu, there is no harm in whipping up new recipes. A cookbook as a gift is thus a great idea. Your employees can have some fun family time trying out new recipes together. Works out great for family bonding time as well!

Cookware

Let’s all be honest, cookware is something that we often go years without replacing. You could have a dingy saucepan in your kitchen and still use it to cook just because you completely forget about replacing it. Giving your employees cookware means you save them the trouble of going shopping for new ones and have fun cooking at home! 

Premium Cheeseboard and Knife Set

Having a premium knife set at home honestly turns out to be something to brag about. There’s just something about a premium-looking knife set being in a kitchen. Now add a fancy cheeseboard to the mix and we are talking snack time. 

It is just a great feeling to grab a block of cheese and cut out slices of it on a premium cheese board with some cool knives. Something really good to consider as a Thanksgiving gift.

Vase

This is a great decorative addition to any living space. Going for a vase with some premium designs can make it stand out as a Thanksgiving gift. Moreover, there are plenty of gorgeous flowers and even medicinal herbs that can be showcased in the vase and may even have some practical daily use. 

Artwork

Another great decorative gift for their homes. When choosing artwork try going for paintings or pictures that are more neutral so it suits everyone’s tastes. It could even be a great idea to buy from a local artist so you can support their business for Thanksgiving as well. 

Everyone loves to have a fancy little artwork hanging on the walls of the living room for that sophisticated look. 

Handmade Preserved Real Rose

It may be a gift that you would want to give to your favorite employee because these can be a little pricey. However, these can convey your message of appreciation that much better as well. 

Handmade preserved real roses are also a really pretty item to keep as decoratives in your living room. It is sure to catch everyone’s attention in the room. 

Thanksgiving Kitchen Linens Set

These are a very useful kitchen utility item set. Having a dedicated set of linens for your kitchen can make life so much easier during Thanksgiving time. You will be spending a lot of time in the kitchen and making a mess but with a set of linens you can keep it relatively clean.

 You can also keep yourself from getting burned by using the linens set to handle hot pots and pans. These are great gift items that are also a great addition to anyone’s kitchen. 

Artificial Fall Oak Maple Tree

Oak maple trees are beautiful, especially during the fall season. Growing it yourself can be quite a challenge if you want to add that aesthetic to your home. With an artificial fall oak maple tree you don’t have to water it or take care of it, just leave it there as a beautiful piece of decoration.

 It is a great gift for your employees and it can surely brighten up their home!

Gardening Kit

Having a beautiful garden in your backyard can be very soothing. Getting a gardening kit as a gift can help your employees develop a new gardening hobby and make a beautiful garden in the back of their house.

 They can grow plants and flowers they love and find it to be a relaxing escape from all the stressful work. This gift is even better if you know your employee already has a garden that they tend to themselves. 

5. Fun and Entertainment Thanksgiving Gift Ideas

Of course not all Thanksgiving gifts have to be so uptight and sophisticated, you can always go for some fun and entertaining gifts. Here are some gift ideas that are sure to be more fun and provide entertainment for their family as well!

Wine

A bottle of fine-aged wine is a gift that is going to be well appreciated no matter who you give it to. This is not only a premium gift, but also a gift that allows your employees to just relax and let loose with their partners or loved ones. Having a premium wine bottle at home also makes it worth saving for some special occasion to make the celebration even more fun!

 This is a great gift that compliments the hearty Thanksgiving dinner.

Polaroid Camera

Everyone loves to store special moments and memories in pictures. Making an album full of your cherished moments can be fun. The only thing that makes it more fun is using a Polaroid camera. Taking pictures becomes more interactive and exciting with these cameras and it is more satisfying to see the photo you shot come out as a developed picture in a matter of seconds. 

Polaroid cameras can make your employees’ Thanksgiving more fun by giving them some beautiful pictures to cherish.

Board Games

Board games are entertaining when you play with friends and family. It can provide more family bonding time with friendly quarrels and lots of laughs. Find some intuitive and interesting board games for your employees to enjoy their Thanksgiving evening with. It is a fun gift that will make everyone come together and enjoy some quality time. 

Streaming Subscription

Many people are not subscribed to any streaming services and having a subscription can make Thanksgiving day more fun. It sounds super fun to play your favorite show or movie on the TV while you work on making your Thanksgiving meals.

 It is also a fun idea to wrap up your Thanksgiving dinner, get in bed with a cozy blanket, and turn on your favorite holiday movie to just relax for the rest of the night. Your employees are going to love this gift. 

Funny Crown Coffee Mugs

What more do you need to feel like royalty other than have your morning coffee in a crown coffee mug? It is not only a funny gift but also a very nice gift for anyone who loves coffee and collecting cool mugs. If your employee is either of those, they will love your gift.

Charitable Donation

A very thoughtful gift that your employees are sure to love is a charitable donation. Talk to your employees and see if there is any specific charity they support. Take a poll and donate to the charity organization that wins. 

Everyone will feel more empathetic during Thanksgiving having supported people who are in need. This is a gift that embodies the Thanksgiving spirit.

6. Personalized Touches Thanksgiving Gift Ideas

Some custom and personalized gift items are more intimate and affectionate. These types of gifts can carry a message of appreciation on a personal level. Your employees and coworkers will surely love these gifts as they will remind them of your gratitude for their work.

Personalized Drinkware

Owning a fancy drinkware set is the dream of anyone who loves to indulge in some occasional drinking every now and then. Personalizing this drinkware with some custom designs makes the gift more personal and valued. This can be something fun for your coworker or employee to bring out to their Thanksgiving dinner table. 

Work Bestie Candle

Do you want to show your appreciation for your bestie at work? A fun way of doing that may be getting them a custom candle that has “Work Bestie” written on it. It is a gift that is relaxing and shows your appreciation for your favorite coworker. Allow them to think of your gratitude while enjoying the relaxing dimly lit candle. 

A Truly Great Coworker is Hard to Find Mug

Another great gift for people who love collecting mugs. This will be at the forefront of their mug collection for everyone to see. Your coworker or employee is going to love inviting friends and family to their Thanksgiving dinner and having their mug on the show. They will surely want everyone to know how much they are appreciated for their work. 

Handmade Soaps

Everything is done with long lines of machines and is also mass-produced. This is what makes handmade items so much more valuable and sought after. Handmade items are produced in limited numbers so they are made with a lot more time and care. Handmade soaps are great because they use fancy and aromatic essential oils that make the soaps smell amazing.

Stuffed Turkey Couple Doll

To continue with the Thanksgiving theme get your coworker or employee a stuffed turkey couple doll to share with their partner. This is an adorable gift that can sit on their bed. It is a cute and cuddly addition to their bedroom. Stuffed turkey is practically the mascot of Thanksgiving so it lives up to the holiday spirit as well.

Happy Thanksgiving Stemless Wine Glass

Serving wine in fancy wine glasses is something every host wants to do at the end of their dinner party. Stemless wine glasses are more popular now so they are a great option to consider as a Thanksgiving gift.

 These glasses offer a practical use after a hearty Thanksgiving meal. You get to sit and relax with a glass of wine in your new fancy stemless wine glass. 

While all the items that are listed here are amazing Thanksgiving gifts, there are three specific gift items that I consider to be the best Thanksgiving gifts. Every item on this list can convey your appreciation for your coworkers and employees. However, after putting some thought into the prices and value in comparison, here is a list of gift items that I consider to be the best:

• Artwork: I think this is a great gift and decorative item that can brighten up a living space. It shows your care and affection for your coworker and serves as a great gift for their whole family to enjoy.
• A truly Great Coworker is Hard to Find Mug: Mugs have always been some of the best gifts and they are even more appreciated when they have a custom quote on them. This mug reminds your favorite person at work how much they are valued.
• Wine: This is more of a personal gift item for your employee. They can relax with their loved ones or their partner and drink some premium wine after Thanksgiving dinner. 

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a day of love and appreciation. You want the person you are getting a gift for to feel that they are appreciated and cared for. The gift items we listed here, practical or entertaining, all convey the Thanksgiving message in their unique ways. At the end of the day, it is more about the thought you put into the gift than the gift itself. 

We hope this list helped you find some great gifts for your coworkers or employees this holiday season!

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